CULTIVATING LOVING KINDNESS: A TWO‐STAGE MODEL OF THE EFFECTS OF MEDITATION ON EMPATHY, COMPASSION, AND ALTRUISM
Jean L. Kristeller, Thomas Johnson
Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science June 2, 2005 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9744.2005.00671.x (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMeditation can cultivate compassion, empathy, and altruism despite its association with solitary retreat and self-focused practice. A two-stage model explains this: first, disengagement from self-reinforcing, self-defeating, or self-indulgent behaviors and reactions; second, focused engagement with a universal human capacity for altruistic experience, love, and compassion. The article references limited research literature and clinical applications of loving kindness (metta) meditation in cultivating these processes.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | loving kindness (metta) meditation |
| Key finding | Proposes a two-stage model where meditative practice cultivates compassion by first disengaging from self-preoccupation and then engaging with altruistic capacity. |
Abstract
Abstract. We explore the role of meditative practice in cultivating experiences of compassion, empathy, and altruism and address an apparent paradox: Meditation often is associated with solitary retreat, if not preoccupation with one's own concerns. How, then, does such a practice promote compassion for others? We propose a two‐stage model. The first stage involves disengagement from usual preoccupation with self‐reinforcing, self‐defeating, or self‐indulgent behaviors and reactions; the second involves a focused engagement with a universal human capacity for altruistic experience, love, and compassion. Reference is made to the limited research literature and to clinical applications of loving kindness (metta) meditation in cultivating these processes.